[BCFSN] Raw Milk Institute at UVic
Arzeena Hamir
arzeenahamir at shaw.ca
Fri Sep 5 16:03:15 EDT 2014
Calling for a city council supported FOOD COMMITTEE IN THE CITY OF PORT
ALBERNI
Council meeting September 8, 2014
presenter Jen Fisher-Bradley Urban Farmer former participant in the
Climate Change Committee
In many jurisdictions across the province, the country and the continent
food security is an issue increasingly on people's minds. The combined
pressures of climate change and inequality make us wonder if there will
be adequate nutrition available and accessible to all. Can we take steps
to move towards food security at the local level?
With climate change coming on faster than anyone knew before and
droughts like the one in California and other parts of North American
agriculture belts and with flooding and hail in others threatening
traditional food supplies there is a growing need to discuss food
security at the municipal level.
Port Alberni has spent considerable time, energy and taxpayer treasure
on creating an Urban Farming Bylaw.
The committee can answer the question, “The bylaw is a good first step
but what are the next steps?”
Going on the premise “many hands make light work” some motivated
individuals, working together cooperatively as a Food Committee, could
find creative ways to encourage and help support these urban farmers.
There may be ways to organize for more productivity, better soil health
and drought preparedness.
How does the Food Committee relate to revitalization?
Because its on the minds of many Canadians, folks thinking of relocating
to our city will want to see that this issue is being addressed through
a bottom up process. They may even want to come here to be part of the
process and part of moving us towards food security. They may have
expertise they want to bring to our attention and share.
How does the Food Committee relate to seniors who live on fixed incomes?
Climate change pressures will inevitably increase food costs. There will
always be some things we can grow locally and dependably, especially if
Urban Farmers work together to make this happen. This local supply
provided at an accessible cost will help to stretch the budget.
How does the Food Committee relate to what the regional district is
doing with their farm plan?
Urban and Rural Farmers have a lot in common and yet face different
issues. The regional district is now funding the first phases of the
implementation of the farm plan. The city's Food Committee will be a
complimentary addition to this process. Farming in a rapidly changing
climate is challenging. Increasing the Urban and Rural Farming
connection can only result in better informed markets, producers,
understanding and empathy.
I believe there is a lot we can do if we form a Food Committee, by
assembling a group of concerned city residents tasked to come up with
some viable non-binding recommendations that can be followed up by the
city working in cooperation with interested residents, Urban Farmers and
community groups.
Here is what I would like to see happen:
1. City council recognizes the need for taking action and passes motion
this evening to form a Food Committee that will present approximately 20
non-binding recommendations, 10 of them priority and 5 of them high
priority in spring of 2015, to council and at a public meeting.
2. Council commits a councillor to chair the meetings and gives access
to city staff for information purposes, when required, as they did with
the Climate Change Committee.
3. The meetings to be held in city chambers, dates and time decided by
the committee members and depending on availability of councillor, most
likely once a month.
4. Council commits some funding to advertise for city residents to sit
on the committee. Committee to begin meeting approximately late October
2014 and finish approximately mid May 2015. In their advertising council
calls for members of the committee to be residents of the city so that
city resources are used to benefit city residents.
5. Council commits to some funding for a public meeting to present the
recommendations of the Food Committee to the residents of the city in
the spring of 2015.
6. Some kind of feedback process is established and implemented so that
city residents can comment on the recommendations.
Jen Fisher-Bradley
contact 250-730-9413
wfwi at shaw.ca
2661 4th Avenue
Port Alberni
V9Y 2C4
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